It is officially football season in Panther Nation. With the game against the Baltimore Ravens kicking off the Carolina Panthersâ€™ preseason schedule, we have some exciting news for Panthers fans.

The Carolina Panthersâ€™ linebacker Shaq Thompson, one of the teamâ€™s most promising young players and a fan favorite, has teamed up with the Salvation Army and the Dreambuilders Foundation to raise money and awareness for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte.

Thompsonâ€™s heart for young people and love for physical fitness has motivated him to work with the Boys & Girls Club. Salsaritaâ€™s will be serving as a sponsor of the program, matching gifts up to $15,000.

So here is how you can get involved: Fans pledge any dollar amount for each sack the Panthers (as a team) record during the 2016 regular season (not preseason games).

At the end of each game, pledges turn into donations that directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs. Fans can also make a one-time donation if they prefer. Fans who contribute $15/sack or $450 will be invited to a VIP event in October to meet Shaq.

Click here to learn more about this great opportunity to help others and have some fun with one of Panther Nationâ€™s finest!